Tipu jayanti to be held amid heavy security

The state government has prohibited processions, for or against Tipu Jayanti during its celebrations in Karnataka on November 10.

The government has also directed district administrations to celebrate the Jayanti in closed spaces like auditoriums and ensure that no posters or banners are erected on that day.

Heavy security

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister G Parameshwara, who held a meeting with police officials regarding security arrangements for the Jayanti at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, told reporters that elaborate security measures were being put in place to ensure that there are no untoward incidents in the state during the celebrations.

The BJP has staunchly opposed Tipu Jayanti and threatened massive protests if the government goes ahead with the celebrations.

Venue shifted

Parameshwara also said that the venue of the Jayanti (organised by the state government) was shifted to Ravindra Kalakshetra from Banquet Hall in Vidhana Soudha.

"The decision to shift the venue has been taken to ensure law and order during the celebrations in the city. Last year, there were several problems when the celebrations were held in the Banquet Hall. That is why we have taken a decision to change the venue. Also, since all state organised Jayanti are held at Ravindra Kalakshetra, we have decided to organise Tipu Jayanti too there. The Jayanti celebrations will come to a close by 2 pm," he added.

RAF to be deployed

Parameshwara said that the government would install Rapid Action Force (RPF) for providing security measures, as the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) battalions had been deployed to other states on election duty.

The Home Minister said that stringent action will be taken against persons who resort to posting derogatory or provocative messages on social media, and also against miscreants/troublemakers who try to disrupt the celebrations.

HDK's past opposition

Reacting to a question on Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's opposition to the Tipu Jayanti celebrations in the past, Parameshwara said, that the former had made those remarks in his personal capacity.

"But now he is heading the coalition government. The chief minister has assured to take forward all the programmes initiated by the previous Congress government," Parameshwara added.

A former fierce critic of Tipu Jayanti, and the government funds being used for the same, Kumaraswamy has, however, has now acceded to the celebrations, thanks to coalition politics.

The state government has been organising Tipu Jayanti for the past three years. In 2015, the Jayanti celebrations had led to clashes between two groups forcing authorities to impose prohibitory orders in parts of Kodagu district.